As Coco Gauff prepares to compete in the 2024 WTA Finals, she has shared her thoughts on the complex topic of human rights in Saudi Arabia. The 20-year-old American tennis star, who has consistently been outspoken on social and political issues, was candid when discussing her feelings about Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, including LGBTQ+ rights and women’s rights, as the country hosts the year-end WTA tournament. Gauff is making her third career appearance at the WTA Finals, and her comments have added to the growing conversation about the influence of sports in regions with controversial social policies.
Ahead of her first match, Gauff was asked during her pre-tournament press conference about her thoughts on competing in a country often criticized for its strict policies. She admitted that she did have “reservations” about coming to Saudi Arabia and shared that she had been actively involved in discussions with the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) to ensure the tournament would have a positive impact.
“I would be lying to you if I said I had no reservations,” Gauff openly admitted. “Obviously, you know who I am and the things I speak about. I was pretty much on every player call I could make with the WTA. One of the things I said is that if we come here, we can’t just come here, play our tournament, and leave. We have to have a real program or a real plan in place.”
Gauff’s statement highlights her desire to use her platform as an athlete to inspire change. The young star is known for her activism, and her stance aligns with her previous initiatives. Gauff has consistently advocated for various social causes, including racial justice and equal rights, which she regularly addresses on social media and in interviews.
In Saudi Arabia, Gauff explained that she and other members of the WTA engaged in discussions with influential figures in the country, including Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United States and a prominent advocate for women’s empowerment within the kingdom. Through these discussions, Gauff hoped to better understand Saudi society’s challenges and gain insight into potential opportunities for positive change.
“We spoke with a lot of women here in Saudi, including Princess Reema,” Gauff shared. “We had multiple calls with her, discussing how best to approach this different place that many American women haven’t experienced firsthand. For me, it was important to ask questions about issues like LGBTQ+ rights and women’s rights, and how we as athletes could support those communities in any way we could.”
Gauff also acknowledged the slow and complex nature of societal change. Drawing a parallel to her grandmother’s experience integrating her school, Gauff observed that social progress often requires patience and determination, even in the face of resistance. “I’m also very aware that we’re not going to come here and change everything overnight. That would be very naive to think. It’s a nuanced conversation, and I think the long-term view could bring benefits for everyone involved,” she added.
The WTA Finals, often seen as the pinnacle of the season, could be a chance for sports diplomacy, opening doors for conversation and gradual shifts in perspective within Saudi Arabia. Gauff’s comments indicate her hope that her presence, alongside other top female athletes, might contribute to promoting a more inclusive atmosphere.
Alongside her advocacy efforts, Gauff is focused on her performance at the WTA Finals. Drawn in the Orange Group, she faces a challenging lineup that includes Iga Swiatek, Jessica Pegula, and Barbora Krejcikova, three highly skilled players. Gauff, seeded third, is optimistic about her chances after a strong 2024 season, which included multiple tournament victories and notable deep runs in Grand Slam events.
Her first opponent in the group stage is Jessica Pegula, her compatriot and frequent rival. Pegula currently leads their head-to-head record 4-1, having defeated Gauff in their last match at the Berlin Ladies Open earlier this year. Their rivalry has been growing, especially since Pegula also won their matchup at last year’s WTA Finals in straight sets, a loss that Gauff will likely seek to avenge.
Gauff’s journey to the WTA Finals this year has been marked by success and growth. She began her season with a title defense in Auckland, New Zealand, showcasing her resilience and determination. She then reached her first Australian Open semifinal, an impressive milestone that reflected her steady progress. Later in the season, Gauff achieved another semifinal appearance at Roland Garros, adding to her list of accomplishments in 2024. She capped her year with a victory at the China Open in Beijing, claiming her second WTA 1000 title, which helped secure her place among the world’s best at the WTA Finals.
The challenges she faces at the WTA Finals, however, will test her consistency and adaptability against some of the toughest opponents in the women’s game. Facing Swiatek, Pegula, and Krejcikova means Gauff will have to bring her best to advance past the group stage and potentially reach her first WTA Finals championship match.
As the tournament progresses, Gauff will have a chance not only to prove her growth as an athlete but also to continue raising awareness about the issues she’s passionate about. Her involvement in Saudi Arabia, a country attempting to reshape its global image through sports, underscores the power of sport as a vehicle for change. By voicing her concerns and actively participating in conversations with Saudi representatives, Gauff has taken a proactive stance, showing that sports can play a role in opening dialogues about important social issues.
As she takes the court for her matches in Riyadh, Gauff represents a new generation of athletes who embrace both excellence in their sport and a sense of social responsibility. Her willingness to address difficult topics, even as she competes, reflects a commitment to using her platform for broader impact. In doing so, Coco Gauff is not only aiming to win matches but to inspire others and contribute to meaningful discussions about inclusivity and human rights.